Trump proclamation directs Section 232 negotiations on robotics and industrial machinery imports

President Trump issued a proclamation concurring with the Commerce Secretary's Section 232 finding that imports of robotics, industrial machinery, and their parts and components threaten to impair national security, and directing the Secretary and the U.S. Trade Representative to pursue or continue negotiations of agreements with trading partners to address the threat. The proclamation imposes no tariffs, duties, quotas or fees; it states the President may consider alternative remedies in the future, including imposing or modifying tariffs, duties, quotas and fees, depending on the status or outcome of the negotiations. The Secretary and the Trade Representative must provide an update on the negotiations within 180 days of the proclamation's date.

Adjusting Imports of Wind Turbines and Their Parts and Components Into the United States

President issues Defense Production Act determination on domestic petroleum production, refining and logistics capacity

The President issued a presidential determination under Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended, on domestic petroleum production, refining and logistics capacity. The determination's text, scope and any effective date are not available in the published material.

Trump orders trade talks, not tariffs, after Section 232 wind turbine probe

President Donald Trump signed a proclamation following a Section 232 investigation into wind turbine imports, launched by the Commerce Department in August 2025, directing Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to open or continue talks with trading partners and report progress within 180 days. The order imposes no new tariffs on wind turbines or their components, and existing duties on steel, copper and aluminum content are unaffected. Trump said he would consider alternative remedies based on the results of the negotiations.

Trump orders trade talks, not new tariffs, after Section 232 wind turbine probe

President Donald Trump signed a proclamation following a Section 232 investigation, launched by the Commerce Department in August 2025, into imports of wind turbines and their components, directing Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to open or continue negotiations with trading partners and report on progress within 180 days. The proclamation states the U.S. is reliant on wind turbine and part imports and that foreign-made turbines and parts present unique cybersecurity risks, citing inverters in particular.

T1 Energy announces Commerce waiver to import up to 1.725 GW of solar cells ahead of Section 232 tariffs

T1 Energy, a Texas-based module maker, announced it received a Department of Commerce waiver allowing it to import up to 1.725 GW of solar cells for its module assembly operations in Wilmer, Texas, without penalty for stockpiling under the Section 232 tariffs that take effect December 4, 2026, when polysilicon and silicon-based solar products become subject to a 15% tariff alongside minimum import prices. Ahead of that date, Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security issued an emergency rule setting criteria for evidence of stockpiling, import prohibition penalties for noncompliance and a process for companies to obtain a waiver.

Trump proclamation directs Section 232 negotiations on wind turbine imports

President Trump issued a proclamation finding that imports of wind turbines and their components and subcomponents threaten to impair U.S. national security under section 232, and directing the Secretary of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative to jointly pursue or continue negotiations of agreements with foreign trading partners to address the threat. The Secretary and the Trade Representative must provide at least one update on the negotiations within 180 days of the proclamation.

T1 Energy says Commerce granted Section 232 stockpiling waiver for 1.725 GW of solar cell imports

T1 Energy announced that the Department of Commerce granted it a waiver allowing it to import up to 1.725 GW of solar cells for its module assembly operations in Wilmer, Texas, without penalty for stockpiling under the Section 232 tariffs that take effect December 4, 2026, when polysilicon and silicon-based solar products become subject to a 15% tariff and minimum import prices. Ahead of that date, Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security issued an emergency rule setting criteria for evidence of stockpiling, import prohibition penalties for noncompliance and a process for companies to obtain a waiver.

LevelTen reports solar PPA prices rose 4.9% in Q3 2026, partly on Section 232 tariffs

LevelTen Energy reports that the average solar power purchase agreement price rose 4.9% to $64.23/MWh in the third quarter of 2026, up 6% year-over-year, with tariffs driving most of the recent increase. Sarah Wolf, LevelTen's director of North America transactions, said the Section 232 tariffs announced in early August could add $3/MWh to $7/MWh once they take effect later this year, and that much of the quarterly increase is anticipatory as buyers try to secure contracts before then. Wind PPA prices were relatively flat in the quarter but up 13.8% year-over-year, held back by federal permitting challenges.

White House release cites Section 232 tariffs of 25% on upholstered wooden furniture and kitchen cabinets

A White House release states that President Trump imposed Section 232 tariffs on imported wood products, including 25% on upholstered wooden furniture, 25% on kitchen cabinets and vanities, and 10% on softwood timber and lumber. The release does not give the effective date, the HTS codes or the countries covered. The rest of the document is a political roundup of crime statistics, tax provisions and investment announcements in North Carolina.

Trump order implements Graham Act, raising Russia tariffs 500% but waiving all Graham Act duties

President Trump issued an executive order implementing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, increasing the rate of duty on goods from the Russian Federation by 500 percent ad valorem and by 100 percent ad valorem on goods from the largest 5 importers of Russian-origin crude oil and natural gas that knowingly make new purchases on or after October 18, 2026, and on goods from the top 5 facilitators of Russian oil sanctions evasion.

CBP issues Harmonized System Update 2625 with Section 232 pharmaceutical changes and CPSC flag updates

CBP states in CSMS # 70220191 that Harmonized System Update (HSU) 2625, created on September 29, 2026, contains 57 harmonized tariff records and 304 ABI records, including Section 232 pharmaceutical updates and corrections to assessment reduction rates for live porcine animals and pork products under the Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Order. The update changes the CPSC HTS flag from CP2 to CP1 on HTS codes 2404120510, 2404120590, 2404121010, 2404121090, 3604109010, 8506100010, 8506401010, 8506500010, 8506600010, 8506800010, 9613200000, 9404210095, 9404291095 and 9404299095, and removes flag CP2 on HTS code 9613802010. CBP directs Section 232 pharmaceutical questions to traderemedy@cbp.dhs.gov and CPSC flagging questions to itdssupport@cbp.dhs.gov.

OPIS reports China TOPCon cell prices fell after Golden Week as industry weighs proposed price floors

The OPIS Global Solar Markets Report released Oct. 13 shows FOB China TOPCon M10 cell prices fell 0.86% week on week to $0.0463/W and TOPCon 210R cells fell 0.66% to $0.0454/W, ending two weeks of stability and leaving both formats about 13% below late-August peaks. A trader source said U.S. restrictions on stockpiling, under a temporary rule covering polysilicon and its derivatives ahead of Section 232 measures taking effect Dec. 4, were expected to further weaken overseas demand.

CBP extends mandatory Entry Type 13 date for international mail to Jan. 20, 2027

CBP extended the compliance date for the new informal entry procedures for international mail from Oct. 22, 2026, to Jan. 20, 2027, a 90-day extension. Beginning Jan. 20, 2027, international postal shipments subject to Section 201, 232 or 301 duties, or within the jurisdiction of a Partner Government Agency, must be filed electronically in the Automated Commercial Environment through the new Entry Type 13 process for informal entry; otherwise formal entry is required. There are no changes to international mail entry procedures before that date, and CBP encourages filers to use the optional Entry Type 13 process during the transition.

CBP issues Harmonized System Update 2626 with Section 232 and NMFS flagging changes

CBP states in CSMS # 70197855 that Harmonized System Update (HSU) 2626, created on October 9, 2026, contains 4 harmonized tariff records and 14 ABI records, including Section 232 updates and PGA HTS flagging updates. The NM8 flag has been removed for National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) HTS 0301.19.000. The notice does not state which Section 232 measures or tariff lines the update covers.

BIS issues guidance to CBP on assessing U.S. content under Proclamation 11032 clause (2)(D)

The Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security published guidance to U.S. Customs and Border Protection on assessing "U.S. content" for purposes of implementing tariffs under Clause (2)(D) of Proclamation 11032 of June 1, 2026. The document is a Federal Register notice; the available text does not state the products, countries, rates or an effective date.

BD reaches supply chain pact with Trump administration for relief from future Section 232 tariffs

BD said it has struck a partnership with the Trump administration under which it will invest $19 billion in U.S. manufacturing over several years, including $3 billion to expand strategic production sites and increase annual U.S. output by about 5 billion essential medical consumables, in exchange for relief from any future Section 232 tariffs on BD products, subject to undisclosed milestones. BD also agreed to make all of its needles used in the U.S. with American-made steel. BD said it would not yet quantify the financial impact because final tariff rates and products were not determined, and it expects to provide more information when the Section 232 tariffs are finalized.

Wood Mackenzie report finds battery storage cheaper than gas peakers in 43 markets, with U.S. and Canada facing tariff-driven cost headwinds

Wood Mackenzie's latest Levelized Cost of Electricity report finds four-hour battery storage has fallen below open-cycle gas turbines on cost in all 43 global markets it modeled, and single-axis tracker solar is the lowest-cost new-build source in 43 of 48 markets. In North America, the report says near-term solar costs remain elevated under tariffs, AD/CVD actions and Section 232 import restrictions, with module prices projected to climb about 5% annually through 2030 and residential and commercial module prices forecast to jump 6% in 2027 and a further 14% in 2028.

Report: US polysilicon minimum import price increase may slip past Dec. 4

Industry checks reported by pv magazine indicate that an increase in US minimum import prices under the polysilicon Section 232 framework may not occur until after Dec. 4, with implementation potentially moving into early 2027, reflecting Commerce's desire to observe how the initial proclamation operates and to gather further investor feedback. The report says Commerce and CBP are expected to scrutinize imports declared at the minimum price, and shipments may be detained while the underlying transaction is verified.

China wafer prices hold steady as BIS stockpiling rule curbs U.S.-bound demand

China's N-type M10 and 210R wafer FOB prices were unchanged week on week at $0.149/pc and $0.153/pc, per the OPIS Global Solar Markets Report released Oct. 6, with wafer inventories estimated at around 25 GW. A temporary final rule issued in late September by the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security restricts stockpiling of polysilicon and polysilicon derivatives ahead of Section 232 import adjustments taking effect Dec. 4, 2026, covering imports during the transition period from Sept. 22 to Dec. 3.

Trump announces Mesabi Metallics plans for $15B steel mill in Iowa

President Donald Trump announced on Sept. 28 that Minnesota steelmaker Mesabi Metallics plans to invest $15 billion in Iowa to build what would be the largest U.S. steel mill, adding 10 million tons of annual steel production capacity and 1,750 jobs, with steel production set to begin in 2030. The company, backed by India-based Essar Group, recently opened an iron ore mine in Minnesota that will supply pellets to the Iowa mill, and has agreed to spend an additional $3 billion to complete that mine in Nashwauk, Minnesota.

Wood Mackenzie report finds four-hour battery storage cheaper than gas peakers in 43 markets, with U.S. and Canada facing tariff-driven cost headwinds

Wood Mackenzie's latest Levelized Cost of Electricity report finds four-hour battery storage has fallen below open-cycle gas turbines on cost in all 43 global markets modeled, and single-axis tracker solar is the lowest-cost new-build source in 43 of 48 markets. North America is the exception: near-term solar costs in the U.S. and Canada remain elevated under tariffs, AD/CVD actions and Section 232 import restrictions, with module prices projected to climb about 5% annually through 2030, residential and commercial module prices up 6% in 2027 and a further 14% in 2028, and utility-scale developers buffered by 168 GW of safe-harbored capacity.

Wood Mackenzie: four-hour battery storage now cheaper than gas peakers in markets worldwide

Wood Mackenzie published an analysis finding that the levelized cost of electricity for four-hour battery storage is now cheaper than gas peakers in markets across the globe, and a spokesperson told Utility Dive that in the United States, for a 2026 commercial operation date, four-hour battery storage is 65% to 75% cheaper than new open-cycle gas turbine peakers, depending on whether state-level carbon pricing applies. The firm projects gas turbine prices rising to $600/kW by the end of 2027, a 195% increase since 2019, and says four-hour storage in the Middle East and Africa will fall 33% to $80/MWh by 2035.

Wood Mackenzie report finds four-hour battery storage cheaper than gas turbines in all 43 modeled markets

Wood Mackenzie's latest global levelized cost of electricity report states that four-hour battery storage is now less expensive to install than open-cycle gas turbines in all 43 markets where both technologies were modeled, with storage in the Middle East and Africa forecast to fall 33% to $80/MWh by 2035 from $120/MWh in 2026. The report says single-axis tracker solar is the lowest-cost new-build technology in 43 of 48 modeled markets, and that in North America near-term solar costs face pressure from tariffs, antidumping and countervailing duty actions and new Section 232 import restrictions, with utility-scale solar partially protected by 168 GW of safe-harboured capacity.

pv magazine analysis: U.S. cell fab build-out quality matters more than technology choice

In a pv magazine USA analysis, Ryan Kennedy writes that counting announced c-Si cell capacity and focusing on the technology selected by the first U.S. cell fabs misses the key issue, which he says is building high-quality, performance-leading cell factories. The article forecasts quarterly U.S. c-Si cell production through Q4 2027, with upside and downside scenarios, from the new Solar Manufacturing USA Quarterly report, and notes the analysis follows the Solar Manufacturing USA 2026 event in Austin, Texas on 22-23 September.

pv magazine analysis forecasts U.S. module production through 2027 amid Section 232 cell-import uncertainty

In a pv magazine USA analysis, Ryan Kennedy presents the Solar Manufacturing USA Quarterly report's bottom-up forecast of domestic U.S. module production to the end of 2027, tracking capex and output for more than 40 companies. The analysis says the largest swing factor is imported solar cell volumes ahead of and after Section 232 at the start of December, and that 2026 volumes remain unknown. It adds that the forecast's downside would apply if project offtake falls short of production targets or buyers push back on cells under MIP conditions.

In case you missed it: Solar stories of the week

Global polysilicon prices hold steady as China price gains meet buyer resistance

U.S. Commerce temporary final rule restricts polysilicon stockpiling ahead of Section 232 import adjustments

The U.S. Department of Commerce issued a temporary final rule restricting stockpiling of polysilicon and its derivatives ahead of Section 232 import adjustments taking effect on Dec. 4, 2026, covering imports during the transition period from Sept. 22 to Dec. 3. The rule followed trade data showing a sharp increase in polysilicon imports after the Section 232 measures were released in early August. One market participant said the rule could curb China-origin wafers, cells and modules entering through circumvention channels involving smaller traders and companies, with limited direct impact on global polysilicon demand.

Toyo announces $240 million in module supply agreements ahead of Texas factory ribbon cutting

Toyo Co., Ltd. announced binding module supply agreements with multiple U.S. offtakers worth approximately $240 million, with the modules to be manufactured at its Humble, Texas facility for utility-scale, commercial and industrial, community solar and data-center projects. The company will hold a ribbon cutting on Oct. 6 for the start of work on its 1.5 GW HJT solar cell plant and full-scale operation of its co-located 2 GW module assembly facility, an event that will include a speech by U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security Jeffrey Kessler.

OPIS reports China and U.S. TOPCon module prices hold ahead of Section 232 minimum import prices

OPIS's Global Solar Markets Report of Sept. 22 assessed the Chinese Module Marker for TOPCon modules below 645W from China unchanged at $0.108/W FOB China, and U.S. delivered duty paid prices for TOPCon modules 645W and below unchanged at $0.290/W, with Southeast Asian cargoes at $0.277/W and Indian cargoes at $0.332/W. Section 232 minimum import prices are set to take effect Dec. 4, and OPIS reports uncertainty over whether the proclamation's "first arm's-length sale" rule would subject U.S.-assembled modules using imported cells to the $0.38/W module MIP.

CBP issues updated Section 232 guidance on pharmaceutical imports under Proclamation 11020

CBP states in CSMS # 70054007 that updated guidance covers Section 232 duties on pharmaceutical articles and ingredients under Proclamation 11020 and the September 23, 2026 Federal Register notice (91 FR 60360), with duties effective July 31, 2026 for Annex III companies and September 29, 2026 for all other companies. Entries use HTSUS headings 9903.04.60–9903.04.70, including 100% for patented articles under 9903.04.60, 15% for Japan, EU member countries, South Korea, Switzerland and Liechtenstein under 9903.04.62, and 0% for the United Kingdom under 9903.04.63. The notice makes five technical corrections to Annex I and one to Annex IV, removing 2937.23.50, 3002.13.00, 3002.14.00, 3002.15.00 and 3004.49.00 from Annex IV.

BIS issues temporary final rule on polysilicon stockpiling under Proclamation 11052

BIS issued a temporary final rule, effective September 22, 2026 through December 3, 2026, setting the criteria and process it will use to monitor existing companies for evidence of stockpiling polysilicon and polysilicon derivatives ahead of import adjustments effective December 4, 2026 under Proclamation 11052. The rule limits a newly established importer's ability to stockpile, imposes import limitations on new importers that register with CBP on or after August 6, 2026, and subjects companies found to be stockpiling to an import prohibition if necessary. It also establishes the process for such companies to obtain a waiver from any import prohibitions imposed under the rule.

BIS defines zero-tariff specialty pharmaceuticals and eligible jurisdictions under Proclamation 11020

BIS issued a notice defining the pharmaceutical products and listing the jurisdictions eligible for a zero ad valorem Section 232 tariff rate under Proclamation 11020 of April 2, 2026, covering orphan-indication drugs and associated ingredients, nuclear medicines, plasma derived therapies, fertility drugs, cell therapy products, gene therapy products, antibody drug conjugates, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear medical countermeasures, and animal health. Products and associated ingredients receive the zero rate if they are of a jurisdiction with a current or forthcoming trade and security framework agreement or meet an urgent U.S. health need.

CBP issues guidance on polysilicon import ban under Proclamation 11052

CBP states in CSMS # 69994928 that, under Commerce's Temporary Final Rule implementing Proclamation 11052 (91 FR 51975), an importer of record that Commerce determines is importing polysilicon products in volumes substantially greater than its historic averages, or that a new importer of record is exceeding applicable weekly quantity limits, is prohibited from making further entries of certain polysilicon products until December 4, 2026. The goods may be moved to a bonded warehouse but may not be entered for consumption before that date. Affected importers may apply to Commerce to waive the prohibition.

CBP issues Harmonized System Update 2623 with Section 232 and pork assessment changes

CBP states in CSMS # 69980481 that Harmonized System Update (HSU) 2623, created on September 9, 2026, contains 83 harmonized tariff records and 450 Automated Broker Interface (ABI) records, including Section 232 updates and a change in assessment reduction rates for live porcine animals and pork products under the Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Order. CBP refers readers to CSMS # 69738151 for the Section 232 updates. Questions on the Section 232 updates go to traderemedy@cbp.dhs.gov, on the pork assessment change to imports@pork.org, and on the HSU to the HTS Administrator at HTSAdmin@cbp.dhs.gov.

White House cites Section 232 tariffs on wood products in North Carolina record release

A White House release states that President Trump imposed Section 232 tariffs on imported wood products, including 25% on upholstered wooden furniture, 25% on kitchen cabinets and vanities, and 10% on softwood timber and lumber. The release does not give an effective date, HTS or Chapter 99 codes, or the countries covered. The rest of the document covers crime statistics, tax provisions and announced investment figures for North Carolina.

Trump modifies scope of Canadian goods subject to 50% Section 338 duties

Proclamation 11064 of September 8, 2026 modifies the scope of certain products of Canada subject to the additional 50 percent ad valorem duty imposed under Proclamation 11046 to offset Canadian discrimination against U.S. alcoholic beverages. Products listed in Annex I, Part A remain subject to the 50 percent duty, while products listed in Annex I, Part B are no longer subject to it, effective for goods entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on September 15, 2026.

Trump modifies scope of Section 338 additional duties on certain products of Canada

Proclamation 11065 of September 8, 2026 modifies the scope of the 50 percent additional ad valorem duties imposed on certain products of Canada under Proclamation 11048, effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on September 15, 2026. Products of Canada listed in Annex I, Part A remain subject to the 50 percent duty, while those in Annex I, Part B are no longer subject to it, and the duties apply in addition to duties imposed under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.

Trump proclamation bans imports of certain Canadian motor vehicle products from September 29, 2026

A presidential proclamation issued September 8, 2026 excludes certain products of Canada, as set forth in its Annex, from importation into the United States, effective for goods imported on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on September 29, 2026. The products covered are those currently subject to the additional ad valorem duties imposed by Proclamation 11048, which took effect August 22, 2026 at a 50 percent rate after the three-day suspension in Proclamation 11056 lapsed. Goods imported but not yet entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, before September 29, 2026 remain subject to the 50 percent duty rate established by Proclamation 11048.